After a dominating second-half effort led the 49ers to a 23-7 victory just three weeks ago in Week 11, San Francisco is looking for the same end result today.

With the NFC West already sewn up, the 49ers are playing for playoff positioning at this point.

To help that cause, the 49ers will need to make these changes in the second half.

5. Win battles up front offensively.

The 49ers offensive line is losing the battle up front. The Cardinals have already sacked Alex Smith four times, and have only rushed for 27 yards. It's on the offensive line to make options available for the skill guys, and they'll have to start getting a push up front to win.

4. Take a few chances throwing down field.

Alex Smith had Ted Ginn Jr. open for a touchdown, but Ginn Jr. lost the ball in mid-air. The Cardinals secondary is capable of giving up big plays, and the 49ers must test them more often.

3. Pressure John Skelton into making costly mistakes.

Three weeks ago, the 49ers took advantage of the Cardinals back-up quarterback having to start to the tune of three interceptions. With Skelton needing to step in due to starter Kevin Kolb being knocked out early, the 49ers must get the pressure on him to create similar opportunities.

2. Stop the red zone struggles.

Last time these teams played, the 49ers turned six first-half red zone opportunities into only nine points. This time, the squad was held to 12 points on four red zone possessions, including one drive that began at Arizona's 4-yard line. That needs to change for this team to be successful.